Airlift loop reactors (ALRs) are important bioreactors for wastewater treatment. However, few studies have investigated the application of an ALR for simultaneous carbon and nutrient removal, especially for activated sludge systems. This study evaluated the performance of integrated nitrogen, phosphorus and COD removal in an ALR with a low height-to-diameter ratio in a limited filamentous bulking (LFB) state (SVI of 180-220 mL/g). The average removal efficiencies for COD, NH4+-N, TN and TP were 91%, 92%, 86% and 94%, respectively. Additional research showed that only under the LFB state, the appropriate distribution of dissolved oxygen inside the ALR was established to promote a well-balanced aerobic and anoxic/anaerobic state. In addition, the macro-gradient of the substrate concentration at the inlet and the heavier bio-P sludge density compensated for the proliferation of filaments. Hence, the stable LFB state was achieved by balancing the floc-forming bacteria and the filamentous bacteria in the ALR. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.